Heel pain due to plantar fasciitis – recognize the causes and treat them specifically

18. May 2026

Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints in adults. Pain under the heel, which occurs in the morning after getting up or after long periods of rest, is particularly typical. In many cases, this is caused by plantar fasciitis.

However, not all heel pain has the same cause. In order to treat the pain successfully, it is crucial to first clarify the exact cause.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a strong tendon plate on the sole of the foot. It runs from the heel to the toes and stabilizes the arch of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis is an overloading and irritation of this tendon plate, usually in the area where it attaches to the heel. Inflammatory changes can occur, but do not necessarily have to be present.

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis usually manifests itself through very characteristic symptoms:

  • Sharp or pulling pain under the heel
  • Severe pain with the first steps in the morning
  • Pain after prolonged sitting or lying down
  • Improvement after “running in”, renewed pain after exercise
  • Pressure pain directly at the base of the heel

These symptoms are very stressful for many sufferers and significantly restrict their everyday life.

Where does plantar fasciitis come from?

Plantar fasciitis is almost always multifactorial, meaning that several causes interact.

Frequent triggers are:

  • Shortened calf muscles
  • Malpositions of the foot (e.g. flat or hollow foot)
  • Sports overload (jogging, ball sports)
  • Unsuitable footwear
  • Overweight

👉 Important:
Not all heel pain is automatically plantar fasciitis. Other causes such as nerve irritation, stress fractures or inflammatory diseases must also be ruled out.

Why precise clarification is so important

An orthopaedic examination should always be carried out before starting targeted therapy. This is the only way to determine where the pain is actually coming from.

In practice, this is usually done by:

  • detailed anamnesis
  • Clinical examination
  • Ultrasound or diagnostic imaging if necessary

Only when the cause is clear can the treatment be effective and sustainable.

1. stretching exercises – the most important measure

The basis of every treatment is regular stretching of the calf muscles and plantar fascia.

Why is this so important?

Shortened calf muscles increase the tension on the tendon plate on the sole of the foot. This puts permanent strain on the heel and the symptoms persist.

Regular stretching can:

  • reduce the voltage
  • improve blood circulation
  • accelerate the healing process
  • Prevent relapses

In our practice, patients receive a special information brochure with targeted stretching and strengthening exercises that can be easily integrated into everyday life.

Other proven therapy options

Physiotherapy

Targeted physiotherapeutic treatment can help:

  • correct muscular imbalances
  • Improve mobility
  • positively influence the foot statics

Physiotherapy is particularly useful in combination with a consistent self-exercise program.

Shock wave therapy

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy has proven its worth in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.

She can:

  • improve blood circulation
  • Stimulate healing processes
  • Reduce pain

Shock wave therapy is often used when conservative measures alone are not effective enough.

Further supporting measures

Depending on the findings, this may also be useful:

  • Adjusting the footwear
  • Insole supply
  • Temporary load adjustment
  • Anti-inflammatory measures

Surgery is only necessary in very rare cases of plantar fasciitis.

What you can do yourself

In addition to medical treatment, patients can actively contribute to improvement:

  • Daily stretching exercises (several times a day)
  • Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors
  • Suitable, well-cushioned footwear
  • Increase load slowly
  • Patience: Healing takes time

Conclusion: Take heel pain seriously – get the cause clarified

Heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis is common but easily treatable.
It is crucial to clarify the cause early on, followed by consistent, individually tailored therapy.

Regular stretching, physiotherapy and – if necessary – shock wave therapy can significantly alleviate the symptoms and prevent chronic development. We will be happy to advise you!